Oktoberfest, Rockbar birthday and more on this week's culinary calendar

We know you're all gearing up for the Great American Beer Festival -- and what better way to start your marathon training than with various Oktoberfest events? That and much more is happening in the food scene this week; here's a taste of what else is on the menu:

Brian Gansmann will read from Defeat Wheat, his new book, at the Gluten Gladiator Dinner at WaterCourse Foods, 837 East 17th Avenue; samples of gluten-free beer and a gluten-free dinner will be provided. It starts at 6 p.m.; call 303-832-7313 or visit www.watercoursefoods.com.

Olivea, 719 East 17th Avenue, hosts the Fall Dinner Series: Sicily; Olivea will highlight specific regions of Italy, France and Spain, and this first event highlights Sicilian cuisine in four courses. Admission is $40 to $60; call 303-861-5050 or visit www.olivearestaurant.com.

Denver Film Center, 2510 East Colfax Avenue, presents FilmFeast, a new annual film series catering to foodies; each screening includes tastings from local restaurants. This week: I Like Killing Flies. It starts at 7 p.m.; call 303-595-3456 or visit www.denverfilm.org.

Wednesday, September 14:

mise en place, 1801 Wynkoop Street #175, presents the Allegrini Palazzo Delle Torre's Cook-Off For a Cause. Brunella Gualerzi, Scott Parker, Tyler Wiard and Elise Wiggins will be competing, and the winning chef will be able to donate to his or her chosen charity. Call 303-521-6343 or visit www.miseenplaceschool.com.

The Tears-McFarlane House, 1290 Williams Street, is hosting Colfax Happy on the Hill/CHUN Wine Tasting and Silent Auction; try a variety of wines, enjoy a chair massage and live music, shop the silent auction and more. It runs from 6 to 9 p.m. and costs $35.

WaterCourse Foods, 837 East 17th Avenue, hosts its Porch Pounder Series, a patio party with wine and beer tastings, plus vegetarian and vegan offerings. It runs from 4 to 7 p.m. and costs $20; call 303-832-7313 or visit www.watercoursefoods.com.

Miners Alley Playhouse, 1224 Washington Street in Golden, presents a wine tasting with an auction, hors d'ouevre, wine tasting and more; it starts at 6 p.m. and costs $45 for one or $80 for two. Call 303-935-3044 or visit www.minersalley.com.

Hop on board the Oktoberfest Train at the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, 401 Water Street in Canon City; it's a two-hour jorney with a a three-course, traditional Oktoberfest meal, a commemorative pint glass, live accordion and more. The trip is available through October 9; trains leave at 12:30 p.m., and admission is $45 to $95. Call 1-888-724-5748 or visit www.royalgorgereservations.com.

Saturday, September 17:

The Royal Gorge Route Railroad, 401 Water Street in Canon City, presents a Five Course Wine Dinner offering twilight views of the train route and dinner, paired with local wines from Holy Cross Abbey. Admission is $125 to $155; call 888-724-5748 or visit www.royalgorgereservations.com.

Georgetown presents the annual Georgetown Cook-Off: Compete with your best Miner's Stew, High Country Bread or Rocky Mountain Cobbler. It runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is free to attend, $25 for contestants. E-mail preservation@historicgeorgetown.org or call 303-567-4660.

Seven Cups, 1882 South Pearl Street, hosts All the Tea in China; teahouse owner Greg Fellman will teach an introductory class on tea where you will learn how it is made, about production differences, the importance of terroir and more. It starts at 10 a.m. and costs $30; call 303-777-2877 or visit www.sevencupsdenver.com.

Breckenridge presents its annual celebration of German culture and beer, Breckenridge Oktoberfest, through Sunday, September 18. Visit www.gobreck.com.

The Pearl Street Mall in Boulder hosts Boulder Green Streets, a mile-long block party with a unique tabletop pavilion (Organic Alley), eco-friendly products, live music, activities, a parade and more. It runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; visit www.bouldergreenstreets.org.

For information on dozens of culinary events around town, visit our online Food & Drink listings -- and if you have information for a culinary event you'd like included in our online calendar, send it to cafe@westword.com.